During the 8th century, numerous religious orders settled and consolidated in Gorizia: the Ursulines arrived in Gorizia on the evening of April 1672, XNUMX, coming from the monastery in Vienna, but originally from Liège, with the task of establishing not only a monastery, but above all of dedicating themselves to the education of girls, who came from very different social classes.

The teaching provided includes, in addition to the practices of piety, catechism, reading, and writing, also the teaching of embroidery and lace. The art of the Ursulines is embodied in perfect embroidery made with the technique ofneedle painting, in which silk threads of different colors placed next to each other manage to create three-dimensional effects. Lacemaking flourished particularly in the 700th century, and Gorizia's production was widely appreciated for its refined execution. The creations showcase Flemish and Bohemian influences and feature geometric and phytozoomorphic motifs on various backgrounds, departing from the Venetian tradition by using bobbins rather than needles.

The precious collection of lace, dating back to the second half of the eighteenth century, is now preserved at the Fashion Museum in Gorizia and this refined technique is regaining visibility and notoriety. [Source: Gorizia Lace School] 

Following its recent success with audiences at the Amidei Prize at the Coronini Cronberg Park, the documentary "Futuri intrecci," produced by the Fondazione Scuola Merletti in collaboration with Erpac Fvg, will be screened at the Venice Lido. Produced by Tesla Production srl, with scientific consultancy from Miriam Mauri and Cristina Lulli and directed by Cristian Natoli, the documentary will be screened on Friday, September 5th at the Venice Film Festival.

The documentary tells how an ancient art, like Gorizia lace, can dialogue with the present and speak to new generations, introducing them to this unique artistic technique.

During the filming of an episode dedicated to Gorizia, Beppe Convertini, host of the Rai 1 program "Azzurro – Storie di mare," spent some time with Erpac staff, listening to them narrate the ancient origins of the Gorizia Lace School and its current intense teaching activities. They also expressed great interest in the unique career path of someone who still pursues the career path of a master lacemaker. For the filming, the Showroom carefully displayed its most precious laces. Mayor Rodolfo Ziberna also graciously joined the meeting, hosting the host and accompanying him on further tours of Gorizia.

The episode recorded in Gorizia will be broadcast on August 30th and will then remain visible on Raiplay.